Hello,

It sounds like you’ve given your American Chestnut trees a good start by considering their need for full sun, water, and well-draining soil. However, if they’re looking anemic, there might be a few things you can check and adjust to help them along:

Watering: Chestnut trees, especially young ones, need about a gallon of water per week. It’s important to water deeply and slowly in a circle around the tree, avoiding direct watering on the tree bark or base.

Soil Conditions: While chestnut trees are drought tolerant, they thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic, sandy soils. If the soil is too compact or not slightly acidic, the trees may struggle. You can test the soil pH and adjust it if necessary. Details on soil testing at this link: Get Started | MSU Soil Test The ideal soil pH for American Chestnut Trees is 5.5, with an acceptable range from about 4.5 to 6.5. It’s important for the soil to be well-drained and to have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level to support the health and growth of these trees. If you’re planning to plant American Chestnuts, it’s recommended to conduct a soil test beforehand to ensure the pH falls within this range

Sunlight: For optimal growth and nut production, full sun is recommended. However, if the trees are young and the sun is too intense, providing some shade during the day might help them adjust better. 

Nutrient Management: Go to this link: 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/chestnuts/horticultural_care/nutrient-management

Since you’ve planted them in an old baseball infield, the soil might be compacted, which could affect drainage and root growth. You might want to consider loosening the soil around the trees and ensuring that it’s not too compact for the roots to grow.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check for signs of pests or diseases that could be affecting their health. If you continue to see no improvement, consulting a local arborist or a university extension service could provide more tailored advice for your specific situation.

OPTION 1:

For a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

OPTION 2:

You can consult with a local arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:

Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)

Remember, trees can take some time to establish themselves, so it’s also a matter of patience. Keep monitoring their progress and making adjustments as needed. Good luck with your American Chestnut trees! 

I hope this helps!